ProForm HIIT Trainer Repair - Grinding/Bell Noise

[@ReneeReznicsek]

As an update, a year and a half later, my repair still holds and all is well with the trainer!

[@qwellbeh]

Hi Renee did your noise start as a slight measured knocking when moving forward? thanks. It seems to be knocking every revolution of the fly wheels but i cant se anything touching. Can you help

[@fixnessequipmentllc169]

Also good job!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fixnessequipmentllc169]

@@qwellbeh knocking is usually the center bearings but it could also be the arm.

[@jari0305]

Hi I have my machine more than a year ago unused for that very reason, will it be too much to ask if you remember the size of the key you used.

[@bigdogkropp]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video. I'm considering purchasing this machine used for $150 and now I have the confidence that I can fix any issues myself. Other reviews have complained of the screws coming loose. I might due preventive maintenance and take it apart and put locktight on all the screws and tighten them.

[@ryanbrown5573]

You nailed it!! Quick diagnosis!!! This is one of the worst machines to deal with. Getting in is complicated for sure. After that, some pulleys require specialized tools,.....put back together before you test...... oh man, I'm getting started, I'll stop.

[@billk8429]

Our issue was different so I’m posting this here in case anyone else has the same problem we did. Ours was making a metallic clunk each time the wheel turned one revolution at the same spot each time so when she used it the rotations were so fast it sounded horrible. You could feel the clunk in the big metal wheel on the right side on each revolution. It was so loud it was waking me early every day my wife used it (sounded like someone letting their car idle by our bedroom window every day). The problem for us was the bolt that is on the spindle on the right side of the unit that holds the right wheel assembly on the axle. After tearing the whole right side off the machine you’ll see a bolt that is on the right hand side that holds the right wheel on the axle/spindle. I just tightened that bolt slightly using a socket wrench and the noise went away. I believe it may be accessible by just removing the center cover between the pedals but since I didn’t know what the culprit was I ended up taking the entire right side off first (getting it back together was a bear as the screws that hold the side panel on are deeply recessed and hard to get back through the holes to retighten. If it happens again I’ll try accessing it from the center panel without a complete tear down - you would just need to turn the wheel until the bolt is visible when the panel is removed and use a long extension on the socket (if there’s enough room to get in there). Hopefully this will help the next person with this issue as Proform’s customer service leaves a lot to be desired and their service prices are awfully high. I totally agree with your comment that it was harder to get back together than apart! Those large black plastic sides were tough to get back together and get the screws back in that hold them on!

[@aeidengtfo6758]

thanks, i have the exact same problem.

[@billk8429]

@@aeidengtfo6758 I’m happy to hear it helped you out!

[@Sagz77]

Job well done!! Just bought one, no issues so far but based on all these videos and reviews I guess its coming. On the other hand this machine is fantastic, if you do it right, you don't need anything else.

[@ce9916]

Good job, and it's insane that ProForm doesn't scour YT to respond to quality-control issues like this!

[@lolacookie453]

omg that noise is horrible, i thought maybe people were complaining about some subtle noise. have been thinking of buying this but after hearing that, i most likely will have to pass. thank you for saving us the time and money!

[@theBoogerman666]

Thanks for posting this video. My girl and I are soon purchasing this machine and it's nice to see someone else get into it, as I may need to one day. Glad yours is all fixed up. Nice work and thanks again 👍

[@1111KO]

So proud of your ingenuity! Luv this!

[@CafuniFitusu]

Great video! I'll know what to look for should I start hearing the same noise. We just purchased a ProForm HIIT. So far, so good.

[@Dr_4_dr]

Thank you for this video! Was working out this morning and as soon as I hit max it started making the grinding sound. Guess I've got a weekend project. Urgh... But I appreciated this help and also thanks to the two that suggested red then blue loctite. I'll be getting some for sure.

[@Sabanator1969]

Love your determination!! That is lacking in so many people. Just TRY!! Sometimes we succeed and sometimes not. But so many simply will not TRY. WHEN we succeed it build major character and confidence!! So Congrats!! I am considering buying one of these off fb marketplace. I am doing my homework first!!

[@WernerEGonzalez]

What an excellent job!!! Congratulations on fixing your machine!!!

[@akiraday]

I loved your commitment! Way to go! 🎉

[@dennisjudd2814]

Thanks for this. Ours started making a noise just today and I plan to take it apart to see what I find. Like you I was gonna no matter what but this helps to give me an idea of what to expect. update: got it all apart and our issue is different. going to try belt dressing in case it's that making the squeak.

[@abelrodriguez318]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Helped me identify the problem and saved me some cash in the process.

[@TontonRedPill]

bravo pour votre travail et pour la qualité de votre vidéo. pour être sûr que la vis ne se desserre plus sachez qu'il existe des colles spéciales pour ça. demandez à votre mécanicien automobile. bon sport à tous !

[@kito1san]

That bolt on either side looks like it gets unscrewed during the operation of the machine. In such case, you should get some loctite Threadlocker Blue on the screw thread to ensure this screw will not get unloose again. This threadlocker are used in cars bolts and stay put from vibration and movements to prevent things like this. Of course, each time you remove the bolt, it breaks the seal and needs to be reapplied when you tighten it back up.

[@daniel.pocholoscabos]

You must love your machine, Thank you for the information

[@kendemers8821]

Well done, Renee!

[@jjjww975]

Blue Painters Tape would help in reassembly --- thanks for the video !!! excellent to know ! Thinking about buying one -- have put it off for a while...

[@Mark-xk1ec]

Great job - well done you!! I've just got one of these machines, fingers crossed I don't get the same problem. Enjoy your exercise. All the best - Mark

[@JuanMartinez-df1lc]

I see you posted this 10 months ago was gonna ask have you had problems with yours yet? I just bought one the belt came off the pulley I put it back on wondering if you’ve had something like this happen to you

[@Mark-xk1ec]

@@JuanMartinez-df1lc Fingers crossed have not had any trouble as yet. Sorry to hear that you have had problems, hopefully your's will perform better for you now.

[@CRIZS_CREATIONS]

HI, Would you Still Recommend the Product IM thinking of Purchasing the Proform, Thanks

[@Maca115070]

Did you check the other side to see if it was tight and did you put some blue locktight on the bolts to keep them in place?

[@Tere8346]

You are my hero!

[@WhiteForestBerries]

WOW! Great job! I dropped a bolt from the pedal trying to tighten it and it rolled back into the machine getting stuck somewhere and its making a noise bad .So any way I found this video very useful before I have to take this baby apart and find that bolt

[@jameshurd4815]

You are a rock star!!! Nice job. Do you still like it?? I am looking at buying one used for $400

[@ashwhite2827]

I just bought one of these second hand, and I like it, but how is your machine holding up? is it still going? now that I got it, I'm seeing a lot of bad reviews of it breaking lol, I still like the machine its really good, and I'm glad you made this video in case I run into this problem. Also I'd suggest tightening the bolt with lock-tight. It would keep it from coming loose.

[@matteinmars]

Awesome Girl Power💪🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Snoopps99]

Great video and kudos to you for finding the fix yourself. I've been trying to talk myself into this purchase as I look for something compact to complement my treadmill but, like the previous commenter said, I'm finding very mixed reviews. Customer service is apparently an issue, and people are reporting several problems right out of the box in many cases. Your comment on the resistance level is an issue I hadn't heard of yet and causes me even more reluctance. Which is really unfortunate because I really want to like this machine.

[@zapppy2011]

Hi what tools did you used i have the issue

[@msharrison5473]

Hi everyone! For those who have the machine, I would like to know if you put it together yourselves or purchased for technician installation/setup? I'm trying to assess if it makes a difference with all the issues or not. Also is it best to place on hard floor or carpet is just as good? Appreciate your help!

[@simpleflex]

you did an amazing job.

[@Zuckerpuppekopf]

Sounds like a church bell....nothing like the sounds of a Sunday run through a pious town.

[@JuanMartinez-df1lc]

How long did you have it until it crapped on you

[@livefreedrivenh6067]

How is it now

[@DavidGarcia-mm6sh]

Brilliant - well done! Out of curiosity did you have to assemble the flywheel when you originally put the machine together?

[@ReneeReznicsek]

No. The assembly didn't include anything enclosed in the main body. I actually put it together alone, as my husband was out of town, but it would have been much easier with a second person!

[@mmazourov]

Great job!

[@Zuckerpuppekopf]

Screw the bolt in and add locktite. This is obviously a problem that could replicate, - I personally would have added an access port, basically saw one in somewhere more convenient, then add an easy to remove cover for quick maintenance access.

[@AlanJamias]

Hi Renee, have you ever had squeaking issues? I can't seem to resolve my squeaking issue no matter what I tighten or lube up. Hope you can help!

[@fahadfarooq3691]

Any luck on the squeaky sounds have got the similar issue the person i got it from says it needs a service but thought will lookup o line if i can find something

[@fredbarney3558]

Can you adjust how high or low the steps go? The steps go to high for for my wife and is uncomfortable for her.

[@ReneeReznicsek]

Not that I know of. It seems to be a fixed distance.

[@rickricky6058]

Should I buy hiit l6 for $699 at Costco?

[@dedrablankenship1512]

Literally wondering the same thing 😂 all the reviews seems bad 😫

[@mellman10]

Yep wondering the same. Do you know what Costco return policy is for something like this?

[@jdmDC2ftw]

Hello. I was looking at this bc its newly appeared lol. If you had to do it again, would you purchase it? I'm seeing more negative reviews of this instead of positive reviews.

[@ReneeReznicsek]

Good question. Probably yes, because I am assuming that there are many more people that purchased this that HAVEN'T had problems than those that have. I just hope to help those few unfortunates. Overall, I like the piece of equipment in terms of its footprint and purpose. It's a great workout!

[@econocrat]

If anyone has a suggestion of how to remove the steel discs that would be appreciated. I struggle to remove those big black bolts in the center of the discs. My belt broke after 9 months and i am not sure if i should return to costco.

[@aeidengtfo6758]

Did you ever get the black bolts off on the flywheel?

[@charleschi6246]

I should see this video before I return. It is good machine except this noise issued after a few month use.

[@mark.sdupuis961]

Good for you girl!!!women with tools 😉,...anyways if comes loose again go to a hardware store and get some red loktite.take the bolt out and put some of that shit on there and good to go

[@ReneeReznicsek]

Thanks for the advice! I've had some problems with the bolts on the stand working loose and creating a pretty awful squeaking that goes away with tightening, but the don't seem to want to stay tight. Sounds like some loktite is in order.

[@goose7574]

@@ReneeReznicsek Thanks for doing this video. I have a question that maybe you can help me with. I'm looking at either getting the Pro HIIT H14, or the Norditrack fs10i . I linked it in case you're not familiar. I like ellipticals better than stairmasters, because my right knee is bad, and they tend to feel better. Do you have any thoughts with what you have, versus an elliptical, or what I linked (which can actually kind of simulate stepping, Elliptical it jogging)??? Thank you! www.nordictrack.com/freestride-trainers/nordictrack-fs10i-freestride-trainer

[@Edward-Norton]

I don't recommend red Loctite you should use blue. Red Loctite requires heat to break it down. Something like 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Blue will hold it and you can crack it loose in the future.

[@HotDaddyBod]

Do you get that creaking noise when using it at high speed? What is that noise?? Mine makes a racket, you seem to have it towards the end before thumbs up.

[@ReneeReznicsek]

If I’m identifying the noise you mean, it was coming from the bolts at the bottom - the big ones.. I’ve had to tighten them periodically.

[@eliabethhinojosa8048]

How do I turn screen on

[@pacoberron9253]

Nice video good job.

[@marioscaramuzzino3649]

Hi Renee, how has the machine held up over the year, seems to be mixed reviews out there of its longevity?

[@ReneeReznicsek]

Not great. I mentioned some problems with the tension in my original post, which I recently fixed by replacing the motor. That was easy to do, but meant having the covers off, which is a bunch of work, and it cost me about $70 for the replacement motor. After that, it still squeaks from the bolts that attach the main unit to the floor supports. I keep trying to save mine, but sadly, I wouldn't recommend buying one. My problems started within the first year.

[@marioscaramuzzino3649]

@@ReneeReznicsek Eeshh, thanks a bunch Renee, sorry its been a burden. Good on you for trying, youd think spending that much is a safe bet

[@Sheltop]

Thanks for the video. I'v been trying to decide on purchasing one. The reviews are so mixed. Would you recommend this to a friend?

[@ReneeReznicsek]

Sorry for the delay in response. If you haven't made a decision yet, I would have to say yes, I would recommend it to a friend, but with mixed feelings. In addition to the problem I described in the video, we also have problems with the resistance level adjustment, and I haven't been able to find a fix for that yet. The likelihood of needing service seems high. That said, my husband and I both like it's compact footprint and elliptical path.

[@Sheltop]

@@ReneeReznicsek Thanks for the reply!

[@madcre8r45]

@@ReneeReznicsek Question! have you isolated the issue withe resistance? you seem to be the ONLY info i can find regarding resistance level adjustment anywhere. i might be having a similar problem. i'd love to chat more possibly collaborate and see if we can find a fix somehow. proform has been NO help at all.

[@brooksw95]

What do you mean when you say resistance level adjustment? What is it doing? I may have something similar. As soon as the machine is plugged in, I hear a mechanical motor and a clicking noise. Is that what yours is doing?

[@albertgonzalez2872]

Brooks w not quite. Mine is still working fairly normally. EXCEPT the resistance is somehow much less than before. 24 now feels like 15 used to. 15 feels like 6 used to. 18 is pretty easy where it used to be very difficult. So it’s still adjusting. But whatever manages the resistance is not raising the magnets all the way. There is ONE video on adjusting an elliptical resistance but I can’t seem to figure out how to find the mechanism or where to enter.

[@rhondakupstas4012]

I'm about to purchase a used machine exactly like this one and I would like to know, How long after you purchased this did the scraping bell noise occur?

[@ReneeReznicsek]

Rhonda Kupstas roughly a year and a half

[@rhondakupstas4012]

Renee Reznicsek that’s not good odds. I’m glad I asked. Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

[@vonshagilbert2549]

You go girl!!!!

[@desireegomez525]

do yo prefer the treadmill or the HIIt trainer?

[@ReneeReznicsek]

I have both and like both in terms of exercise value. I have had more problems with the HIIT Trainer since this video, however, and can no longer recommend it due to it's poor reliability.

[@qwellbeh]

great job

[@davidv7825]

great

[@JuanMartinez-df1lc]

Your awesome

[@homann638]

You probably lost a few more pounds by fixing the machine, so you're still on schedule! poor assembly, someone forgot to torque that screw...a lock washer would have helped too.